---
title: "Evidence: augments NO, vasodilation"
description: "Pycnogenol increases blood vessel dilation by boosting nitric oxide production in healthy young men."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s117.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s117.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s117.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s117"
journal: "Hypertens Res"
year: 2007
pmid: "18037769"
doi: "10.1291/hypres.30.775"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: augments NO, vasodilation

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s117.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s117

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Hypertens Res |
| Year | 2007 |
| PMID | [18037769](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18037769/) |
| DOI | [10.1291/hypres.30.775](https://doi.org/10.1291/hypres.30.775) |
| Study key | s117 |

## Takeaway

Pycnogenol increases blood vessel dilation by boosting nitric oxide production in healthy young men.

## The question

What are the effects of Pycnogenol on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans?

## Hypothesis

Pycnogenol, an antioxidant-rich extract, may enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and subsequent nitric oxide release, thereby augmenting endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

## Methods

This double-blind, randomized, placebo and active drug study evaluated forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in healthy young men. Participants received either 180 mg/day of Pycnogenol (n=8) or placebo (n=8) orally for 2 weeks. FBF was measured using strain-gauge plethysmography before and after treatment. The effect of an NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine, on Pycnogenol-induced FBF response was also assessed.

## Results

Neither placebo nor Pycnogenol altered forearm or systemic hemodynamics. Pycnogenol augmented the FBF response to ACh from 13.1 +/- 7.0 to 18.5 +/- 4.0 mL/min per 100 mL tissue (p<0.05), while placebo did not. SNP-stimulated vasodilation was similar before and after treatment in both groups. The NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine completely abolished the Pycnogenol-induced augmentation of the FBF response to ACh.

## Conclusion

Pycnogenol augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide production. This suggests Pycnogenol could be useful for treating diseases involving endothelial dysfunction.

## Limitations

The study was conducted on a small sample of healthy young men, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations or conditions.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Pycnogenol augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide production

## Forearm Blood Flow Response to Acetylcholine After 2 Weeks of Treatment

| Measure | FBF (mL/min per 100 mL tissue) |
| --- | --- |
| Pycnogenol (Before) | 13.1 |
| Pycnogenol (After) | 18.5 |

*Forearm blood flow response to acetylcholine significantly increased after 2 weeks of Pycnogenol treatment.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pycnogenol Pine Bark Extract | Moderate evidence | [Pycnogenol Pine Bark Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/117.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: augments NO, vasodilation**
   Hypertens Res 2007 · [PMID 18037769](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18037769/) · [DOI 10.1291/hypres.30.775](https://doi.org/10.1291/hypres.30.775)

   > Pycnogenol augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide production

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).